Press release
Minister welcomes the arrival of 8 young people from Greece
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, today welcomed the arrival in Dublin of 8 young people from a refugee camp in Greece.
The eight young people have been separated from their families and are coming here under the International Refugee Protection Programme, which is managed by the Department of Justice and Equality. Once the children arrive they will be received into the care of Tusla, Child and Family Agency.
Minister Zappone said:
“I am delighted that at last we can welcome these children, whose arrival here was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am very relieved that the young people tested negative for COVID-19 and were able to travel today."
Preparation for the transfer of these young people began in September of 2019, when Tusla led a mission to Athens and the eight children were assessed, screened and approved for resettlement. Arrangements for the children were being processed and their arrival had been expected in late March. When all refugee transport and resettlement programmes were suspended, temporarily, in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transfer could not be completed.
Minister Zappone commended Tusla for the detailed planning to ensure the safe transfer of the young people:
“I know Tusla has developed a detailed and comprehensive plan to care for these young people in their new home, where they will quarantine. They will be received into Tusla care and will have a chance to adjust to the very different circumstances in which they will now be living. I want to thank Tusla for the additional efforts made to ensure all public health advice is adhered to and that the young people, and those caring for them, are protected as they settle in to their new home.”
ENDS